INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

1-6 Another mounting form that has been used to increase the number of components in a given space is the CORDWOOD MODULE, shown in figure 1-4. You can see that the components are placed perpendicular to the end plates. The components are packed very closely together, appearing to be stacked like cordwood for a fireplace. The end plates are usually small printed circuit boards, but may be insulators and solid wire, as shown in the figure. Cordwood modules may or may not be ENCAPSULATED (totally imbedded in solid material) but in either case they are difficult to repair. Figure 1-4.—Cordwood module. Q9. List the major advantages of printed circuit boards. Q10. What is the major disadvantage of printed circuit boards? Q11. The ability to place more components in a given space is an advantage of the _______. INTEGRATED CIRCUITS Many advertisements for electronic equipment refer to integrated circuits or solid-state technology. You know the meaning of the term solid-state, but what is an INTEGRATED CIRCUIT? The accepted Navy definition for an integrated circuit is that it consists of elements inseparably associated and formed on or within a single SUBSTRATE (mounting surface). In other words, the circuit components and all interconnections are formed as a unit. You will be concerned with three types of integrated circuits: MONOLITHIC, FILM, and HYBRID. MONOLITHIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS are those that are formed completely within a semiconductor substrate. These integrated circuits are commonly referred to as SILICON CHIPS.